diff --git a/EthernetInterface.cpp b/EthernetInterface.cpp
index 7d8d7b0..34e209a 100644
--- a/EthernetInterface.cpp
+++ b/EthernetInterface.cpp
@@ -47,6 +47,10 @@ void EthernetInterface::setup()
 };
 
 
+#ifdef IP_ADDRESS
+static IPAddress myIP(IP_ADDRESS);
+#endif
+
 /**
  * @brief Aquire IP Address from DHCP and start server
  * 
@@ -60,14 +64,14 @@ EthernetInterface::EthernetInterface()
     connected=false;
    
 #ifdef IP_ADDRESS
-    if (Ethernet.begin(mac, IP_ADDRESS) == 0)
+    Ethernet.begin(mac, myIP);
 #else
     if (Ethernet.begin(mac) == 0)
-#endif
     {
         DIAG(F("Ethernet.begin FAILED"));
         return;
     } 
+#endif
     if (Ethernet.hardwareStatus() == EthernetNoHardware) {
       DIAG(F("Ethernet shield not found or W5100"));
     }
@@ -136,7 +140,7 @@ bool EthernetInterface::checkLink() {
       DIAG(F("Ethernet cable connected"));
       connected=true;
       #ifdef IP_ADDRESS
-      Ethernet.setLocalIP(IP_ADDRESS);      // for static IP, set it again
+      Ethernet.setLocalIP(myIP);      // for static IP, set it again
       #endif
       IPAddress ip = Ethernet.localIP();    // look what IP was obtained (dynamic or static)
       server = new EthernetServer(IP_PORT); // Ethernet Server listening on default port IP_PORT